Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15

Transcription

1 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 March 2018

2 This guide contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms, or their related entities (collectively, the Deloitte Network ) is, by means of this guide, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that might affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte Network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this guide For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. Extracts from International Financial Reporting Standards and other International Accounting Standards Board material are reproduced with the permission of the IFRS Foundation.

3 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 Foreword Foreword The IASB s Standard IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers is now effective (for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 with earlier adoption permitted). It is imperative that entities take time to consider the impact of the new Standard. In some cases, IFRS 15 will require significant changes to systems and may significantly affect other aspects of operations. (e.g. internal controls and processes, KPIs, compensation and bonus plans, bank covenants, tax etc.). This guide is intended to assist preparers and users of financial statements to understand the impact of IFRS 15. We begin with a high-level executive summary of the new requirements, followed by a specific focus on the important issues and choices available for entities on transition to the new Standard. Our detailed guide covers all of the requirements of IFRS 15, supplemented by interpretations and examples to give clarity to those requirements, and pointers regarding practical issues that are likely to arise. In the appendices, we provide: a. Illustrative disclosures for entities that have adopted IFRS 15; and b. a comparison with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP). We trust that you will find this guide informative and a useful reference source. Within the detailed guide, paragraphs that represent the authors interpretations, material drawn from the IASB s Basis of Conclusions on IFRS 15, and examples other than those cited in IFRSs are highlighted by green shading. 03

4 Contents Executive summary 05 Dealing with transition 07 Detailed guide 11 Appendices 235 Appendix 1 IFRS 15 illustrative disclosures 236 Appendix 2 Comparison with US GAAP 244 Key Contacts 250

5 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 Executive summary Executive summary IFRS 15 is applicable for entities reporting in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, with earlier application permitted. The new Standard is the result of a joint project by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to develop a converged set of accounting principles to be applied under both IFRSs and US GAAP. It is relevant across all industries and for most types of revenue transaction. IFRS 15 outlines a single comprehensive model of accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. What has changed? IFRS 15 is a complex Standard, introducing far more prescriptive requirements than were previously included in the IFRSs that it replaces (IAS 18 Revenue, IAS 11 Construction Contracts and a number of Interpretations related to those Standards) and, therefore, it may result in substantial changes to revenue recognition policies for some entities. It requires the application of significant judgement in some areas, but in other areas it is relatively prescriptive, allowing little room for judgement. At a glance Whereas IAS 18 provides separate revenue recognition criteria for goods and services, this distinction is removed under IFRS 15. The new Standard focuses instead on the identification of performance obligations and distinguishes between performance obligations that are satisfied at a point in time and those that are satisfied over time, which is determined by the manner in which control of goods or services passes to the customer. The new revenue model under IFRS 15 means that revenue may be recognised over time for some deliverables accounted for under IAS 18 as goods (e.g. some contract manufacturing); it also means that revenue may be recognised at a point in time for some deliverables accounted for under IAS 18 as services (e.g. some construction contracts). Specific topics on which more prescriptive requirements have been introduced include: the identification of a contract with a customer; the identification of distinct performance obligations and the allocation of the transaction price between those obligations; accounting for variable consideration and significant financing components; recognition of revenue arising from licences; and presentation and disclosure of revenue from contracts with customers, and other balances related to revenue. Other changes include: the scope of IFRS 15 has been expanded to cover costs relating to contracts; the recognition of interest revenue and dividend revenue are not within the scope of IFRS 15. These matters are now dealt with under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (or, for entities that have not yet adopted IFRS 9, IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement); and specifically excluded from the scope of IFRS 15 are non-monetary exchanges between entities in the same line of business to facilitate sales to customers or potential customers. This scope exclusion is different from the related guidance under IAS 18:12 which refers to exchange transactions that are not regarded as transactions that generate revenue these are transactions in which goods or services are exchanged or swapped for goods or services which are of a similar nature and value. Revenue recognition IAS 11 IAS 18 IAS 18 IFRIC 15 IAS 18 IFRIC 13 IFRIC 18 SIC 31 Current requirements Construction contracts Sales of goods Sales of services Real estate sales Royalties Customer loyalty programmes Transfers of assets from customers Advertising barter transactions Previously little guidance on costs of obtaining and fulfilling a contract New requirements Revenue from contracts with customers IFRS 15 Point in time or over time New guidance on royalty revenue New guidance on options for additional goods and services and breakage Guidance on non-cash consideration New guidance on costs of obtaining and fulfilling a contract Other revenue IAS 18 IAS 18 Interest Dividends Other revenue IAS 39 or IFRS 9 Interest Dividends 05

6 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 Executive summary Scope IFRS 15 applies to all contracts with customers, except for those that are within the scope of other IFRSs. Contracts that are outside the scope of IFRS 15 include leases (IFRS 16 Leases or, for entities that have not yet adopted IFRS 16, IAS 17 Leases), insurance contracts (IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts, or for entities that have not yet adopted IFRS 17, IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts), financial instruments (IFRS 9 Financial Instruments or, for entities that have not yet adopted IFRS 9, IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement) and certain non-monetary exchanges. It is possible that a contract with a customer may be partially within the scope of IFRS 15 and partially within the scope of another standard. Core principle The core principle underlying the new model is that an entity should recognise revenue in a manner that depicts the pattern of transfer of goods and services to customers. The amount recognised should reflect the amount to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. In order to meet the core principle, IFRS 15 adopts a five-step model. Scope, core principle and key terms 1 Identify the contract(s) with a customer 2 Identify the performance obligations in the contract 3 Determine the transaction price 4 Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations 5 Recognise revenue when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied Five-step model Requirement of the Standard Detailed discussion Step 1 requires an entity to identify the contract with the customer. A contract does not have to be written in order for it to meet the criteria for revenue recognition; however, it does need to create enforceable rights and obligations. IFRS 15 provides detailed guidance on how to identify a contract. This step also considers when it is appropriate to combine contracts (see 5.5) and the implications for revenue recognition of modifying a contract (see section 10). Step 2 requires an entity to identify the distinct goods or services promised within the contract. Distinct goods and services should be accounted for as separate deliverables (this process is sometimes known as 'unbundling'). These distinct goods and services are referred to as 'performance obligations'. Specific guidance should be considered to determine whether a good or service is distinct. Section 5 Section 6 Further guidance is also provided in IFRS 15 to identify distinct performance obligations in particular scenarios: warranties (see 6.3.4); customer options to purchase additional goods and services at a discount (or for free) (see 6.3.5); and non-refundable upfront fees (see 6.3.6). Step 3 requires an entity to determine the transaction price for the contract. This will be affected by a number of factors including: variable consideration (see 7.2); the extent to which the recognition of variable consideration should be constrained (see 7.2.8); significant financing components within a contract, which will require an adjustment for the time value of money (see 7.4); if non-cash consideration is received in exchange for transferring promised goods or services (see 7.5); and if any consideration is payable to the customer as part of the transaction (see 7.6). Section 7 06

7 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 Executive summary Step 4 requires an entity to allocate the transaction price determined in Step 3 to the performance obligations identified in Step 2. IFRS 15 requires this allocation to be based on the stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation and includes detailed requirements on how any discounts or variable consideration should be treated in the allocation (see 8.3 and 8.5, respectively). Section 8 Further guidance is included within IFRS 15 regarding how entities should account for: breakage (customers unexercised rights) (see 7.7); and changes in the transaction price (see 8.6). In principle, allocation on a stand-alone selling price basis requires a calculation to be performed for each contract containing more than one performance obligation. This may prove a significant logistical challenge for entities with a very large number of different contracts, and in some cases changes to existing systems may be needed. Step 5 specifies how an entity should determine when to recognise revenue in relation to a performance obligation, and whether that revenue should be recognised at a point in time or over a period of time. IFRS 15 focuses on when control of the good or service passes to the customer, which may be over time or at a point in time. Section 9 Other areas of guidance in IFRS 15 In addition to the five-step model, IFRS 15 provides specific guidance relating to licenses and costs relating to a contract. In respect of licences, IFRS 15 distinguishes between two different types of licence (right of use and right to access), with the timing of revenue recognition being different for each (see section 11). IFRS 15 provides guidance on how to account for costs relating to a contract, distinguishing between costs of obtaining a contract and costs of fulfilling a contract. When this results in costs being capitalised, additional guidance is provided on determining an appropriate amortisation period and on impairment considerations (see section 12). Dealing with transition The transition to IFRS 15 will affect all businesses, to varying degrees and with the transition date fast approaching (periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018), businesses need to consider carefully the new requirements and resolve any potential accounting issues in advance. There are two significant impacts that entities will need to consider when implementing the new Standard, as well as wider business impacts. The timing of revenue and profit recognition Whereas previously IFRSs allowed significant room for judgement in devising and applying revenue recognition policies and practices, IFRS 15 is more prescriptive in many areas. Applying these new rules may result in significant changes to the profile of revenue and, in some cases, cost recognition, as well as wider business impacts. Current accounting processes may require significant changes to cope with the new Standard As explained throughout this guide, IFRS 15 introduces new requirements to move to a more prescriptive approach based around a five-step model. The complexity of applying this approach and of producing the detailed disclosures required by the new Standard may require modifications to existing accounting processes. In determining the extent to which modifications will be required, entities may wish to consider the need for sufficient flexibility to cope with future changes in the pricing and variety of product offerings made to customers. The 1 January 2018 effective date now presents a challenging timeframe for developing and implementing new systems. 07

8 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 Executive summary Wider business impacts In addition IFRS 15 will have an effect on the wider business. The following list highlights aspects of the business that may be affected by the transition to IFRS 15, although it is not intended to be exhaustive. Training for employees entities should provide training to those employees affected by the changes. These will include accountants, internal auditors and those responsible for drawing up customer contracts. Bank covenants changes in the revenue recognition accounting methods may change the amount, timing and presentation of revenue, with a consequent impact on profits and net assets. This may affect the financial results used in the calculation of an entity s bank covenants. As such, affected entities should seek discussions with lenders, to establish whether renegotiation of covenants will be necessary. KPIs where they are based on a reported revenue or profit figure, they may be impacted by the changes. As such, an entity should evaluate the effect of the Standard on key financial ratios and performance indicators that may be significantly impacted by the changes with a view to determining whether its KPI targets should be adjusted. Where there are changes, an entity will also need to consider how to explain these to investors. Compensation and bonus plans bonuses paid to employees are sometimes dependent on revenue or profit figures achieved. Changes in the recognition of revenue as a result of IFRS 15 may have an impact on the ability of employees to achieve these targets, or on the timing of achievement of these targets and entities may wish to consider whether it is appropriate to change the terms of existing remuneration arrangements where this is the case. Ability to pay dividends in certain jurisdictions, the ability to pay dividends to shareholders is impacted by recognised profits, which in turn are affected by the timing of revenue recognition. Where this is the case, entities will need to determine whether the changes will significantly affect the timing of revenue and profit recognition and, where appropriate, communicate this to stakeholders and update business plans. Tax the profile of tax cash payments, and the recognition of deferred tax, could be impacted due to differences in the timing of recognition of revenue under IFRS 15. Stakeholders users of the financial statements such as the Board of Directors, audit committee, analysts, investors, creditors and shareholders will require an explanation of the changes in IFRS 15 in order to understand how the financial statements have been impacted. Who to involve Good project governance will be essential in preparing for the implementation of IFRS 15 and, when appropriate, representatives from the following departments should be involved in discussions and planning: accounting/finance; operations; procurement; information technology; tax; treasury; and investor relations. Once the various stakeholders have been identified, conversations can begin regarding timelines and responsibilities. Support from external providers may also be desirable at some stages during the transition project. Transition reliefs As set out in section 15 of our detailed guide, entities have two options for transitioning to IFRS 15. Both options are fairly detailed but helpful in providing some relief on initial application of IFRS 15. Both of these options make reference to the date of initial application which is the start of the reporting period in which an entity first applies the Standard. For example, entities applying the Standard for the first time in financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2018 will have a date of initial application of 1 January

9 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 Executive summary Transition timeline Example Assume December 31 Y/E Assume 1 year of comparatives only Date of initial application 1 January January January January January January January 2021 A Begins and ends in 2017 B Begins in 2015, ends in 2017 C Begins in 2015, ends in 2021 Method 1 Full retrospective approach Method 2 Modified approach Contract A Contract B Contract C Begins and ends in same annual reporting period and completed before the date of initial application Practical expedient available Adjust opening balance of each affected component of equity for the earliest prior period presented (1 January 2017) Adjust opening balance of each affected component of equity for the earliest prior period presented (1 January 2017) Contract A Contract B Contract C Contract completed before the date of initial application Do not apply IFRS 15 Contract completed before the date of initial application Do not apply IFRS 15 Adjust opening balance of each affected component of equity at date of initial application. Disclose information per paragraph Method 1 Full retrospective approach Entities can apply the Standard retrospectively to all comparative periods presented. Under this option, prior year comparatives are restated, with a resulting adjustment to the opening balance of equity in the earliest comparative period. Where this option is chosen, the Standard provides a number of optional practical expedients. These include: For completed contracts (i.e. contracts where the entity has transferred all of the goods or services identified under IAS 11, IAS 18 and related interpretations), entities are not required to restate contracts that begin and end within the same annual reporting period. For example, for an entity first applying the Standard for a 31 December 2018 year end, contracts entered into and completed in 2017 will not need to be restated. For completed contracts, entities are not required to restate any contract that was completed at the beginning of the earliest period presented. For example, for an entity first applying the Standard for a 31 December 2018 year end and presenting comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2017 only, contracts completed by 31 December 2016 do not need to be evaluated. 09

10 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 Executive summary For completed contracts that have variable consideration, an entity may use the transaction price at the date the contract was completed rather than estimating variable consideration amounts in the comparative reporting periods. This means, in particular, that if the consideration had ceased to be variable by the time the contract was completed (which is the case for many, but not all, contracts), the transaction price can be based on the amount that was ultimately payable by the customer. For example, for contracts completed prior to 31 December 2017, an entity first applying the Standard for a 31 December 2018 year end may base earlier revenue figures on the consideration (including any variable consideration) that was ultimately payable (or at least the estimate of variable consideration as at the date the contract was completed) rather than estimate variable consideration at earlier dates. For all periods presented before the date of initial application, an entity need not disclose the amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations and an explanation of when the entity expects to recognise that amount as revenue. For example, for an entity first applying the Standard for a 31 December 2018 year end, no disclosures will be required about remaining performance obligations as at 31 December 2017 with respect to contracts not yet completed at that date. For contracts that were modified before the beginning of the earliest period presented, an entity is not required to apply the requirements for contract modifications, separately to each earlier modification. Instead, an entity can choose to reflect the aggregate effect of those modifications when: (i) identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations; (ii) determining the transaction price; and (iii) allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations. For example, for an entity first applying the Standard for a 31 December 2018 year end and presenting comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2017 only, a contract that was modified once or more before 1 January 2017 will, for each of the requirements listed above, be accounted for as though all modifications had been part of the contract as originally agreed. Note that any modifications after 1 January 2017 would need to be accounted for individually. The practical expedients used should be used consistently for all prior periods presented and disclosure should be given with regards to which expedients have been used. To the extent possible, a qualitative assessment of the estimated effect of applying each of those expedients should be provided. Method 2 Modified approach Under the modified approach, entities can apply the Standard only from the date of initial application. If they choose this option, they will need to adjust the opening balance of equity at the date of initial application (i.e. 1 January 2018) but they are not required to adjust prior year comparatives. This means that they do not need to consider contracts that have been completed prior to the date of initial application. Broadly, the figures reported from the date of initial application will be the same as if the Standard had always been applied, but figures for comparative periods will remain on the previous basis. When using this approach, entities can elect to apply IFRS 15 retrospectively only to contracts that are not completed contracts (see above) at the date of initial application. Additionally, entities applying the modified approach may use the practical expedient in respect of contract modifications that is available for entities applying the full retrospective approach (described above), either for: all contract modifications that occur before the beginning of the earliest period presented; or all contract modifications that occur before the date of initial application. If the modified approach is used, disclosure is required of the amount by which each financial statement line item is affected in the current period as a result of applying the new Standard and an explanation of the significant changes between the reported results under IFRS 15 and the previous revenue guidance followed. 10

11 Contents Section 1. Introduction 12 Section 2. Definitions 15 Section 3. General principles and scope 17 Section 4. The five-step model for recognising revenue from 40 contracts with customers Section 5. Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer 43 Section 6. Step 2: Identify the performance obligations 52 Section 7. Step 3: Determine the transaction price 88 Section 8. Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the 133 performance obligations in the contract Section 9. Step 5: Determine when to recognise revenue 143 Section 10. Contract modifications 173 Section 11. Licensing 185 Section 12. Contract costs 205 Section 13. Presentation of contract assets and contract liabilities 215 Section 14. Disclosure 221 Section 15. Effective date and transition requirements 231

12 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 Introduction Section 1. Introduction 1.1 Development of IFRS Amendments to IFRS 15 April Transition Resource Group for Revenue Recognition 14 12

13 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 Introduction 1.1 Development of IFRS 15 Section 1. Introduction 1.1 Development of IFRS 15 In 2002, the IASB and the FASB commenced a joint revenue project with the following key objectives: to remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in existing revenue requirements; to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues: to improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, jurisdictions and capital markets; to provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements; and to simplify the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which preparers must refer (particularly for entities who have previously reported under US GAAP). The final Standard was issued in May 2014 and supersedes: IAS 11 Construction Contracts; IAS 18 Revenue; IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes; IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate; IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers; and SIC-31 Revenue Barter Transactions Involving Advertising Services. The final Standard is nearly fully converged with the US GAAP equivalent; the most significant differences capable of having the biggest impact relate to the collectability threshold for contracts and some differences in the availability of practical expedients. A detailed list of the differences between IFRS 15 and the US GAAP equivalent is provided in Appendix Amendments to IFRS 15 April 2016 IFRS 15 was amended in April 2016 by Clarifications to IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The amendments were issued in response to feedback received from the IASB/FASB Joint Transition Resource Group for Revenue Recognition (see 1.3). The amendments added clarifications and additional illustrative examples to IFRS 15 on the following topics: identifying performance obligations; principal versus agent considerations; and licensing. The amendments also provided two further practical expedients for entities transitioning to IFRS

14 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 Introduction 1.3 Transition Resource Group for Revenue Recognition The effective date of the April 2016 amendments is the same as for IFRS 15 (i.e. 1 January 2018, with earlier application permitted). The amendments clarify the IASB s intentions when developing the requirements in IFRS 15 but have not changed the underlying principles of the Standard. Entities will generally be expected to implement the amendments in the first accounting period in which they apply IFRS 15, although entities that adopt IFRS 15 for a period beginning before 1 January 2018 may choose not to implement the amendments at the same time. In such circumstances, when the entity does subsequently implement the amendments, the effects of initially applying IFRS 15 should be restated for the effects, if any, of initially applying the amendments. For the purposes of this guide, it is assumed that the April 2016 amendments are implemented at the same time as IFRS 15 and, consequently, the text reflects the April 2016 amendments. 1.3 Transition Resource Group for Revenue Recognition Following the publication of IFRS 15, and the equivalent US GAAP standard, the IASB and the FASB formed the IASB/FASB Joint Transition Resource Group for Revenue Recognition (TRG). This group, which comprises both IFRS and US GAAP constituents, is intended to help the boards identify and consider any diversity in practice in applying the standards and to address implementation issues as they arise. The TRG does not issue guidance but discusses issues in public. In circumstances when the TRG concludes that further guidance may be helpful to users of the standards, it refers the issue to the IASB and the FASB for consideration. In January 2016, the IASB decided not to schedule further meetings of the IFRS constituents of the TRG. However, the TRG has not been disbanded and will be available for consultation by the IASB if needed. Further information about the TRG and summaries of its discussions can be found at: TRG Throughout the remainder of this practical guide, issues which have been discussed by the TRG are marked by this icon. 14

15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 Definitions Section 2. Definitions 15

16 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 Definitions Section 2. Definitions Appendix A to IFRS 15 provides the following definitions for terms used in the Standard. A contract is defined as [a]n agreement between two or more parties that creates enforceable rights and obligations. A contract asset is defined as [a]n entity s right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that the entity has transferred to a customer when that right is conditioned on something other than the passage of time (for example, the entity s future performance). A contract liability is defined as [a]n entity s obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the entity has received consideration (or the amount is due) from the customer. A customer is defined as [a] party that has contracted with an entity to obtain goods or services that are an output of the entity s ordinary activities in exchange for consideration. Income is defined as [i]ncreases in economic benefits during the accounting period in the form of inflows or enhancements of assets or decreases of liabilities that result in an increase in equity, other than those relating to contributions from equity participants. A performance obligation is defined as [a] promise in a contract with a customer to transfer to the customer either: a. a good or service (or a bundle of goods or services) that is distinct; or b. a series of distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. Revenue is defined as [i]ncome arising in the course of an entity s ordinary activities. The stand-alone selling price of a good or service is defined as [t]he price at which an entity would sell a promised good or service separately to a customer. The transaction price for a contract with a customer is defined as [t]he amount of consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third parties. 16

17 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 General principles and scope Section 3. General principles and scope 3.1 Objective of IFRS Core principle of IFRS Consistent application of IFRS Practical expedient application to a portfolio of contracts 18 (or performance obligations) 3.5 Scope of IFRS Principal versus agent considerations Repurchase agreements Application of IFRS 15 guidance under other Standards 39 17

18 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 General principles and scope 3.1 Objective of IFRS 15 Section 3. General principles and scope 3.1 Objective of IFRS 15 The objective of IFRS 15 is to establish the principles that should be applied by an entity in order to report useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from a contract with a customer. [IFRS 15:1] 3.2 Core principle of IFRS 15 The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity recognises revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, reflecting the amount of consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. [IFRS 15:2] When applying IFRS 15, it is important to evaluate the terms of the contract and all relevant facts and circumstances. [IFRS 15:3] 3.3 Consistent application of IFRS 15 IFRS 15 should be applied consistently to contracts with similar characteristics and in similar circumstances. This requirement for consistent application is specifically extended to the use of any practical expedients. [IFRS 15:3] 3.4 Practical expedient application to a portfolio of contracts (or performance obligations) Although IFRS 15 specifies the accounting for an individual contract with a customer, the Standard allows as a practical expedient that it can be applied to a portfolio of contracts (or performance obligations) with similar characteristics provided that it is reasonably expected that the effects on the financial statements of applying a portfolio approach will not differ materially from applying IFRS 15 to the individual contracts (or performance obligations) within that portfolio. When accounting for a portfolio, estimates and assumptions that reflect the size and composition of the portfolio should be used. [IFRS 15:4] Some entities manage a very large number of customer contracts and offer a wide array of product combination options (e.g. entities in the telecommunications industry may offer a wide selection of handsets and wireless usage plan options). For these entities, it would take significant effort to apply some of the requirements of IFRS 15 (e.g. the requirement to allocate based on the stand-alone selling price to the identified performance obligations as described in section 8) on an individual contract basis. In addition, the capability of information technology systems to capture the relevant information may be limited. Entities will need to evaluate whether they are eligible to use a portfolio approach under IFRS 15:4. IFRS 15 does not provide explicit guidance on how to (1) evaluate similar characteristics, and (2) establish a reasonable expectation that the effects of applying a portfolio approach would not differ materially from those of applying the Standard at a contract or performance obligation level. Accordingly, entities will need to exercise significant judgement in determining that the contracts or performance obligations that they have segregated into portfolios have similar characteristics at a sufficiently granular level to ensure that the outcome of using a particular portfolio approach can reasonably be expected not to differ materially from the results of applying the Standard to each contract or performance obligation in the portfolio individually. 18

19 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 General principles and scope 3.4 Practical expedient application to a portfolio of contracts (or performance obligations) In segregating contracts (or performance obligations) with similar characteristics into portfolios, entities should apply objective criteria associated with the particular contracts or performance obligations and their accounting consequences. When determining whether particular contracts have similar characteristics, entities may find it helpful to focus particularly on those characteristics that have the most significant accounting consequences under IFRS 15 in terms of their effect on the timing of revenue recognition or the amount of revenue recognised. Accordingly, the assessment of which characteristics are most important for determining similarity will depend on an entity s specific circumstances. However, there may also be practical constraints on the entity s ability to use existing systems to analyse a portfolio of contracts, and these constraints could affect its determination of how the portfolio should be segregated. The table below lists objective criteria that entities might consider when assessing whether particular contracts or performance obligations have similar characteristics in accordance with IFRS 15:4. Because any of the requirements in IFRS 15 could have significant consequences for a particular portfolio of contracts, the list provided is not exhaustive. Objective criteria Contract deliverables Contract duration Terms and conditions of the contract Amount, form and timing of consideration Characteristics of the customers Characteristics of the entity Timing of transfer of goods or services Example Mix of products and services, options to acquire additional goods and services, warranties, promotional programmes Short-term, long-term, committed or expected term of contract Rights of return, shipping terms, bill and hold, consignment, cancellation privileges and other similar clauses Fixed, time and material, variable, upfront fees, non-cash, significant financing component Size, type, creditworthiness, geographical location, sales channel Volume of contracts that include the different characteristics, historical information available Over time or at a point in time Example 3.4A Application of the portfolio approach Entity A offers various combinations of handsets and usage plans to its customers under two-year contracts. It offers two handset models: an older model that it offers free of charge (stand-alone selling price is CU250); and the most recent model, which offers additional features and functionalities and for which the entity charges CU200 (stand-alone selling price is CU500). The entity also offers two usage plans: a 400-minute plan and an 800-minute plan. The 400-minute plan sells for CU40 per month, and the 800-minute plan sells for CU60 per month (which also corresponds to the stand-alone selling price for each plan). The table below illustrates the possible product combinations and the allocation of consideration for each under IFRS

20 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 General principles and scope 3.4 Practical expedient application to a portfolio of contracts (or performance obligations) Product combination Total transaction price Revenue on handset Revenue on usage CU CU* % of total contract revenue CU % of total contract revenue Customer A Old handset, 400 minutes Customer B Old handset, 800 minutes Customer C New handset, 400 minutes Customer D New handset, 800 minutes , , , , , In this example, the proportion of the total transaction price allocated to handset revenue is determined by comparing the stand-alone selling price for the phone to the total of the stand-alone selling prices of the components of the contract. Customer A: (CU250/(CU250+CU960) CU960) = CU198 Customer B: (CU250/(CU250+CU1,440) CU1,440) = CU213 Customer C: (CU500/(CU500+CU960) CU1,160) = CU397 Customer D: (CU500/(CU500+CU1,440) CU1,640) = CU423 As the table indicates, the effects of each product combination on the financial statements differ from those of the other product combinations. The four customer contracts have different characteristics, and it may be difficult to demonstrate that Entity A reasonably expects that the financial statement effects of applying the guidance to the portfolio (the four contracts together) would not differ materially from those of applying the guidance to each individual contract. The percentage of contract consideration allocated to the handset under the various product combinations ranges from 15 per cent to 34 per cent. Entity A may consider that this range is too wide to apply a portfolio approach; if so, some level of segregation would be required. Alternatively, Entity A might determine that there are two portfolios one for old handsets and the other for new handsets. Under this alternative approach, Entity A would need to perform additional analysis to assess whether the accounting consequences of using two rather than four portfolios would result in financial statement effects that differ materially. The circumstances described in example 3.4A are relatively straightforward. In practice, however, the contracts illustrated could involve additional layers of complexity, such as (1) different contract durations; (2) different call and text messaging plans; (3) different pricing schemes (e.g. fixed or variable pricing based on usage); (4) different promotional programmes, options, and incentives; and (5) contract modifications. Accounting for such contracts could be further complicated by the rapid pace of change in product offerings. 20

21 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 General principles and scope 3.4 Practical expedient application to a portfolio of contracts (or performance obligations) In general, the more specific the criteria an entity uses to segregate its contracts or performance obligations into portfolios (i.e. the greater the extent of disaggregation), the easier it should be for the entity to conclude that the results of applying the guidance to a particular portfolio are not expected to differ materially from the results of applying the guidance to each individual contract (or performance obligation) in the portfolio. However, further disaggregation into separate sub-portfolios is likely to improve the overall accuracy of estimates only if those sub-portfolios have some characteristics that are different. For example, segregating on the basis of geographical location may not be beneficial if similar combinations of products and services that have similar terms and conditions are sold to a similar group of customers in different geographical areas. Likewise, segregating on the basis of whether contract terms allow a right of return may not be necessary if the returns are not expected to be significant. While there is no requirement in IFRS 15 to quantitatively evaluate whether using a portfolio approach would produce an outcome materially different from that of applying the guidance at the contract or performance obligation level, an entity should be able to demonstrate why it reasonably expects the two outcomes not to differ materially. The entity may do so by various means depending on its specific circumstances (subject to the constraints of a cost-benefit analysis). Such means include, but are not limited, to the following: data analytics based on reliable assumptions and underlying data (internally- or externally-generated) related to the portfolio; a sensitivity analysis that evaluates the characteristics of the contracts or performance obligations in the portfolio and the assumptions used to determine a range of potential differences in applying the different approaches; and a limited quantitative analysis, supplemented by a more extensive qualitative assessment that may be performed when the portfolios are disaggregated. Typically, some level of objective and verifiable information would be necessary to demonstrate that using a portfolio approach would not result in a materially different outcome. An entity may also wish to (1) consider whether the costs of performing this type of analysis potentially outweigh the benefits of accounting on a portfolio basis, and (2) assess whether it is preferable to invest in systems solutions that would allow accounting on an individual contract basis. Example 3.4B Application of a portfolio approach to part of a customer base Entity A is a telecommunications company that has a large number of contracts with customers with similar characteristics. Entity A does not elect to use a portfolio approach as specified in IFRS 15:4 when accounting for revenue from those contracts; instead, it has developed specialised computer systems that enable it to recognise revenue on a contract-by-contract basis. At a later date, Entity A acquires Entity B, which operates in the same jurisdiction as Entity A and also has a large number of contracts with customers with characteristics that are similar to those of Entity A. Entity B, which does not have computer systems that would enable it to recognise revenue on a contract-bycontract basis, has previously elected to use a portfolio approach under IFRS 15:4 when accounting for revenue from those contracts. 21

22 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 General principles and scope 3.5 Scope of IFRS 15 In its consolidated financial statements, is Entity A permitted to use a portfolio approach only for contracts with Entity B s customers? Yes. Entity A is permitted to use a portfolio approach to account for Entity B s contracts with customers provided that Entity A reasonably expects that the effects of using that approach would not differ materially from applying IFRS 15 on a contract-by-contract basis. The requirement in IFRS 15:3 to apply IFRS 15 consistently, including the use of any practical expedients, to contracts with similar characteristics and in similar circumstances does not override the overall concept of materiality. The practical expedient in IFRS 15:4 is only available if it is reasonably expected that the financial statement effects of applying a portfolio approach would not differ materially from the effects of applying IFRS 15 to the individual contracts within that portfolio. Accordingly, it is possible for entities to prepare consolidated financial statements using a mixture of approaches because the resulting accounting effects are not reasonably expected to differ materially. 3.5 Scope of IFRS Scope general IFRS 15 should be applied to all contracts with customers, except the following: [IFRS 15:5] lease contracts within the scope of IFRS 16 Leases or, for entities that have not yet adopted IFRS 16, IAS 17 Leases; for entities that have adopted IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021, with earlier application permitted), contracts within the scope of that Standard. However, an entity may choose to apply IFRS 15 to insurance contracts that have as their primary purpose the provision of services for a fixed fee in accordance with IFRS 17:8; for entities that have not yet adopted IFRS 17, insurance contracts within the scope of IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts; financial instruments and other contractual rights or obligations within the scope of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (or, for entities that have not yet adopted IFRS 9, IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement), IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements, IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures; and non-monetary exchanges between entities in the same line of business to facilitate sales to customers or potential customers. For example, IFRS 15 would not apply to a contract between two oil companies that agree to an exchange of oil to fulfil demand from their customers in different specified locations on a timely basis. Note that the wording in the last bullet point above is different from the equivalent requirement in IAS 18. IAS 18 instead refers to goods or services that are exchanged or swapped for goods or services which are of a similar nature and value. [IAS 18:12] Entities are not permitted to recognise revenue resulting from a non-monetary transaction that is subject to the scope exception in the last bullet point above. As explained in IFRS 15:BC58 and BC59, the party exchanging inventory with the entity in a transaction of this nature meets the definition of a customer and, in the absence of this specific scope exclusion, the entity might recognise revenue once for the exchange of inventory and do so again for the sale of inventory to the end customer. The IASB concluded that this outcome would be inappropriate because (1) it would gross up revenues and expenses and thereby make it difficult for the users of financial statements to assess the entity s performance and gross margins, and (2) the counterparty in such an exchange transaction could be viewed as acting as a supplier rather than as a customer. 22

23 Revenue from Contracts with Customers A guide to IFRS 15 General principles and scope 3.5 Scope of IFRS 15 Example Accounting for the lapse of warrants An entity has issued warrants (options issued on the entity s own shares) for cash. These warrants meet the definition of equity instruments under IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation and, accordingly, the amount received for issuing them was credited to equity. The warrants lapse unexercised. No revenue should be recognised when the warrants lapse unexercised. The definition of income (which encompasses both revenue and gains in accordance with the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting) excludes contributions from equity participants. The issuance of the warrants is a transaction with owners (equity participants). The fact that an equity participant no longer has an equity claim on the assets of the entity does not convert the equity contribution into income. Amounts for warrants classified as equity instruments may be transferred to another account within equity (e.g. contributed surplus) as of the date the warrants expire Scope limited to contracts with customers IFRS 15 applies to a contract (other than a contract listed in IFRS 15:5) only if the counterparty to the contract is a customer; a customer is defined as [a] party that has contracted with an entity to obtain goods or services that are an output of the entity s ordinary activities in exchange for consideration. [IFRS 15:6 & Appendix A] As an example of a counterparty to a contract that is not a customer, the Standard cites a counterparty that has contracted with the entity to participate in an activity or process in which the parties to the contract share in the risks and benefits that result from the activity or process (such as developing an asset in a collaborative arrangement) rather than to obtain the output of the entity s ordinary activities. [IFRS 15:6] Contracts partially within the scope of IFRS 15 A contract with a customer may be partially within the scope of IFRS 15 and partially within the scope of the other Standards listed at [IFRS 15:7] (a) If the other Standards specify how to separate and/or initially measure one or more parts of the contract, then an entity first applies the separation and/or measurement requirements of those Standards. The amounts of the parts of the contract that are initially measured in accordance with other Standards are excluded from the transaction price. The requirements of IFRS 15:73 to 86 (see section 8) are then applied to allocate the amount of the transaction price that remains (if any) to each performance obligation within the scope of IFRS 15 and to any other parts of the contract identified by IFRS 15:7(b). (b) If the other Standards do not specify how to separate and/or initially measure one or more parts of the contract, then IFRS 15 is applied to separate and/or initially measure the part (or parts) of the contract Scope contract costs IFRS 15 specifies the accounting for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer and for the costs incurred to fulfil a contract with a customer if those costs are not within the scope of another Standard (see section 12). These requirements only apply to the costs incurred that relate to a contract with a customer (or part of that contract) that is within the scope of IFRS 15. [IFRS 15:8] 23